Monday, July 30, 2007

KG to the Celtics: Win-Win

KG from the T'wolves to the Celtics for a ton of young talent, with Al Jefferson as the centerpiece. This basically done deal is big enough -- and enough of a respite from the recent epidemic of woe afflicting sports and fans everywhere -- that it's worth its own p.m. post today:

I'm arguing it is win-win.

Win for the Celtics: If you were ever going to mortgage the future for a 3-5 year window, this is it. The East is wide open, especially next year. With a "Big Three" like KG, Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics suddenly have the best "Big Three" in the conference -- and a legit shot at the conference title (even if they have no shot at an NBA title). Again, the shorthand is this: If LeBron and spare change can win the East, then KG-PP-RA and spare change does that one better.

Win for the T'wolves: This team was desperate to move on and equally desperate to launch a youth movement that actually gives its fans hope through the lean times, looking toward a brighter future. Al Jefferson and Randy Foye form one of the best young big-small combos in the league. Gomes is solid. Green has potential. Telfair brings sizzle. Add in T'wolves draftee Brewer and rehabbing McCants, and if nothing else, the T'wolves can adapt to the entertaining up-tempo trend sweeping the league. (The only downside? They couldn't trade places with the Celtics and get into the East. Oh, and McHale is still GM.)

Here's why Minnesota nets out as the trade winner: Expectations. If the T'wolves are in the Lottery the next 3-5 years, fans can gleefully chalk it up to growth. As long as there is marginal improvement year over year, there is hope. If the Celtics don't win the East -- and, to be sure, it is no guarantee, even with KG -- the trade is a complete failure.

Perhaps even bigger: The NBA also is a winner: How relieved do you think David Stern is to change the story from Donaghy back to on-court topics like a blockbuster deal? Hmm: Do you think the league helped revive this deal in order to change the subject? I wouldn't put it past them. And I'd give them credit if they did.

Even though I do not 100% believe what the Boston Globe is reporting if it is true Danny Ainge might of pulled of the steal of the century. To get Garnett without giving up Jefferson is a complete steal even with Jefferson in the deal the Celtics are huge winners in the short term, the next 2-3 years

If Danny Ainge is able to pull this off without giving up Jefferson then Kevin Mchale is officially the worst GM in sports...two first round picks that basically will equate to nothing because Boston will be winning consistently with a lineup of Jefferson, KG, Allen, and Pierce...it would amaze me if Jefferson isn't the key part of this sale

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DanShanoff.com is a sports-blog spin-off of my long-time ESPN.com column, "The Daily Quickie." Anchored by an early-morning post of must-know topics, the blog is updated frequently throughout the day with new posts and user comments.